First Wipe Out!!

[still balancing]

Noticed that replacing the helmet was recommended...how bad does a fall need to be to replace a helmet?

[Fredwina]

Repeating Trek and Knotted:
If you fall, Pitch your helmet and buy a new one!
With the "Hard" shells on modern ones, it's had to tell if the helmet has recieved a fatal blow. Better to spend $100 on a new one than $100,000 on Hospital bills....
Knotted, not sure if anyone has told you this, but alway cross RR tracks at an 90 angle. Less chance of the tracks "grabbing" your wheel

[Eden]

Noticed that replacing the helmet was recommended...how bad does a fall need to be to replace a helmet?

The recommendation is any time you hit your head or think you might have hit your head - or if you drop it.

[KnottedYet]

Yeah, 90 degrees at RR tracks has always worked for me before, but since it was my first ride on my new bike I figured discretion was the better part of valor.

Since that ride I've gone 160 miles or so on the new bike, and have a better feel for it and am a bit more comfortable with handling it on irregular stuff. I'm also used to the tires now. I switched from 38s on my hybrid commutermobile to 28s on my Waterford roadie. (actually, she's a cyclocross bike, but she's being a roadie right now)

Hopped on and off pavement edges several times yesterday. It does get better with practice!